Benefits of Giving Online

Benefits of Giving Online

As we are instructed throughout the Scriptures, we are to give to God “first” rather than offering him what’s leftover. Read Proverbs 3:9-10 . When the bills pile up and the stress of life hits, it’s easy to overlook this principle.

It’s Secure and Private

It’s Secure and Private

SECURITY

For your protection, we have taken a number of steps to maximize the security of financial transactions that are accepted on The Bridge website. Credit card processing is accomplished using secure processing services. Your entry of this information is encrypted when transmitted. Encryption is a process that scrambles information into a format that unauthorized parties can not decode or utilize. 128-bit encryption is the strongest, most secure form of encryption generally utilized in Internet browsers in North America.

PRIVACY

Your information is held securely by the Planning Center system. The information will remain private and will never be given away to third parties, other than to process your scheduled contributions. You can schedule new contributions at any time and can modify or cancel those contributions at any time prior to the date they are scheduled. Once the contribution has been pr
ocessed, however, it cannot be canceled. If you have any problems or questions related to this, please contact us at finance@thebridgersm.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about Giving Online

Frequently Asked Questions about Giving Online

Q: Is it safe to give online?

Yes. In many ways giving online is safer than writing a check because an electronic gift cannot be lost or stolen. The security of the system is continually managed by the Planning Center.

Q: What types of bank accounts can I give from?

You can give online from with any major credit card or bank card.

Q: Are there any fees involved with giving online?

Not to you. You will not pay any fees with an online gift. In addition, online gifts are a more cost efficient way for the church to process donations.

Q: Can I make a one-time contribution?

Yes. The system allows you the option of either making a one-time contribution or setting up a recurring contribution.

Q: If I want to set-up a recurring gift, what are my options for frequency of my gift?

For recurring gifts, you have the option of giving weekly, twice a month, every two weeks or once a month.

Q: Can I change my personal information or the amount or the frequency of my gift once I have set it up?

Yes. You can change or cancel your contribution at any time before the date of your next contribution. Simply log in to the system using your user name and password and make the necessary changes in the system.

Q: Can I review my donation history online?

Yes. The site will allow you to view the complete history of your contributions, given either online or otherwise. Once you’ve created an account, you will able to contribute immediately. However, for security purposes, before you can see any past contributions, we must manually connect your online account with your previous information. This is a one-time process when you initially create your account. After that, you can view your history at any time. For more information, see our security policy below.

Q: Will I still receive regular contribution statements from the church?

Yes. The church will continue to send year-end contribution statements to your address on file for tax purposes, but for your convenience you can download a statement from within your account 24/7.

Q: Can I designate my gift to a particular cause?

Yes, you can designate your gift to go toward tithes/offerings, missions fund or a specific ministry. We may also add additional causes at specific times.

Q: How will I know that I set up my gift correctly?

Immediately after submitting your contribution, you will receive an e-mail verifying your contribution.

Q: Does it matter which Internet browser I use?

No. Any browser will work.

Q: I have additional questions about online giving that have not been addressed. Who can I talk to?

For any questions, concerns or comments about the online giving system, please contact us at info@thebridgersm.com. You will receive a response from our staff as soon as possible.

Q. Can I use a debit card?

You can use a debit check card from Visa or MasterCard, but true debit cards are not accepted through the Planning Center system due to the sensitivity of securely requesting a Personal Identification Number (PIN). ACH bank drafts can be used instead for true debits.